Solo travel · Pattaya · Thailand
Solo travel in Pattaya
How to enjoy Pattaya at your own pace.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: WPPilot, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Pattaya is easy for solo travellers, with cheap transport, plenty of budget accommodation and lively evenings, though the nightlife scene is not for everyone. Many solo travellers base themselves in South Pattaya and Walking Street.
Key facts
- Base
- South Pattaya and Walking Street
- Getting around
- Bus
- Emergency number
- 191 (police), 1669 (ambulance), 1155 (tourist police)
- Language
- Thai
Solo travel tips
- Stay in Jomtien or Pratumnak if you want a calmer base with easy access to the nightlife.
- Use Grab or Bolt at night rather than unmarked taxis.
- Join island or Nong Nooch tours to meet other travellers.
- Keep valuables secure on Walking Street and in crowded markets.
- Rent jet skis only from reputable operators, and photograph the machine before riding to avoid false damage claims.
Where to stay
$$ · Best for nightlife, solo travellers and budget
South Pattaya and Walking Street
South Pattaya is the area around Walking Street, which closes to traffic each evening and fills with bars, nightclubs, go-go bars, live-music venues and seafood restaurants. Bali Hai Pier, for ferries to Koh Larn, is at its southern end, and the Pratumnak viewpoint is just above it.
- Good
- Walk to Walking Street; Next to the Koh Larn ferry pier; Cheap rooms and food
- Watch out
- Very loud at night; Adult entertainment venues dominate the area
- Nearby
- Walking Street, Bali Hai Pier, Pattaya Viewpoint
Great on your own
Architecture · Naklua and Wongamat
Sanctuary of Truth
Go early in the morning when the sun lights the seaward face, and dress modestly, as shorts and bare shoulders may need to be covered.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Architecture
- Art
- Photo spot
Viewpoint · Pratumnak Hill
Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak)
Go about 30 minutes before sunset to watch the bay change colour, then walk down to Walking Street for dinner.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Photo spot
- Couples
Religious site · Pratumnak Hill
Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)
Find the Buddha image for the day of the week you were born and make a small offering, as Thai visitors do.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- History
Religious site · Sattahip
Wat Yansangwararam
Dress modestly, and visit on the same trip as Khao Chi Chan, which is a short drive away.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
Meeting people
- Seafood in Naklua — Buy fresh seafood at the Lan Pho Naklua market and have it cooked on the spot, or eat at the seafood restaurants on the Naklua waterfront.
- Weekend night market — Thepprasit Night Market on Friday to Sunday evenings has hundreds of food stalls serving grilled meats, seafood, noodles and desserts.
- Walking Street — The main nightlife strip of clubs, live-music venues, go-go bars and seafood restaurants.
- Soi Buakhao and Second Road — Dense rows of open-air beer bars, popular with long-stay visitors.
Sensible precautions
Watch for heavy traffic and scooter accidents, pickpocketing in crowded nightlife areas and disputes over jet-ski damage claims. Check bar bills and keep drinks in sight; tourist police can help with complaints.
- Emergency number
- 191 (police), 1669 (ambulance), 1155 (tourist police)
- Staying connected
- 4G and 5G coverage is excellent; SIM cards and eSIMs are sold at the airports and convenience stores.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Pattaya good for solo travellers?
Pattaya is easy for solo travellers, with cheap transport, plenty of budget accommodation and lively evenings, though the nightlife scene is not for everyone.
+Where should solo travellers stay in Pattaya?
South Pattaya and Walking Street: The nightlife district by Bali Hai Pier.